Effects of audio-visually restricted environments on shooters: A combined linear and nonlinear feature analysis of an EEG study

In order to explore the effects of audio-visually restricted environments on the shooters' shooting preparation phase and the brain's adaptation mechanisms to sensory limitations, the present study captured shooting performance and EEG signals from 30 skilled shooters in normal, low-light, and noise environments. In this study, linear and nonlinear methods and statistical methods of repeated measure ANOVA were used to explore the visual-auditory restricted brain state. The experimental results show a trend in brain complexity, which is consistent with the “neural efficiency” hypothesis. In the visually constrained condition, the level of complexity of the shooter's brain was higher, with a decrease in the Theta band power ratio and an increase in the Alpha and Beta band power ratios. There were no significant differences in complexity and Alpha band power ratio in the hearing-limited condition, with a decrease in power share in the Theta band and an increase in the Beta band. Research has found that the brain adjusts cognitive resources and motor control to compensate after visual stimulation. Noise stimulation activates more brain regions and enhances connectivity, but brings negative emotions. The brain adapts to noise by enhancing signal detection and suppressing irrelevant information. Visual distractions had a greater effect on shooting behavior than auditory distractions. The research provides new insights into the brain's adaptation to complex environment.